Record #:

10656

Author(s):

Melvin, Lionel

Abstract:

Governor John Owen challenged his opponent for a seat in the General Assembly, Richard Melvin, to a duel after losing the election. Governor Owen, who had previously been involved with a challenge to duel a Senate seat opponent, Willie P. Mangum, challenged Melvin to a duel, with tradition stating that the challenged person was allowed to make their choice of weapons. As Governor Owen was known as a crack shot and an excellent swordsman, Melvin, who was a much larger man, chose broadaxes, face to face, for the duel in an effort to level the playing field. Governor Owen declined and Melvin's honor was preserved.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 38 Issue 23, May 1971, p13, por

Subject(s):

Dueling; Owen, John, 1787-1841